A MAN accused of attacking three members of a family told a jury: "I am an innocent man."

Michael Wright, 32, tried to kill brothers John and Gary Hayesa day after deliberately running over their mother, it was claimed at Liverpool crown court.

Wright's cousin, 22-year-old Stephen Bennett, is also charged with attempting to murder the brothers.

Bennett allegedly pointed a gun at them in the street and was encouraged by Wright to pull the trigger.

John Hayes, 28, was shot in the elbow in Stanley Road, Everton, on March 5 when the brothers were on their way to visit their mother, Ellen Hayes, who was in hospital after Wright allegedly ran her over on March 4.

Wright told jurors the Hayes family had accused him of shooting them in 2001 and he had been acquitted of the attempted murder of John Hayes and his other brother Geoffrey.

He said: "I was an innocent man then and I'm an innocent man now."

Wright said that when Mrs Hayes was knocked over he was with his girlfriend, and was also at home when the Hayes brothers were shot.

He added: "They think they are Ronnie, Reggie and Charlie Kray."

Wright, of Waterloo Road, Everton, denies causing grievous bodily harm to Mrs Hayes and to the attempted murder of Gary and John Hayes.

Bennett, of Crompton Street, Everton, denies attempting to murder Gary and John Hayes, making a threat to kill Geoffrey Hayes and two charges of possessing a firearm.